Load distribution and consolidation tracking system

ABSTRACT

Through various embodiments, a traceability system may comprise a first tracking device configured to receive a pre-generated session identification number, wherein the pre-generated session identification number is assigned to a first load and a MAC address of the device. The device is further configured to initialize one or more environmental sensors of the device and generate, through the one or more environmental sensors, environmental data pertaining to one or more factors of an environment surrounding the device. The device is additionally configured to execute a propagation query to generate a second session identification number adapted from the pre-generated session identification number, the second session identification number being related to a second load derived from the first load.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

This disclosure relates generally to data processing devices and, moreparticularly, to a method, a device and/or a system of tracking dataassociated with distribution and consolidation of a shipment.

BACKGROUND

The seafood industry and supply chain lack information indicating thesustainability and perishability of associated products. Additionally,seafood shipping units are often split and consolidated, complicatingorigin and perishability tracking of each individual unit. Stakeholderswant to know what happens to seafood, from ship or aquaculture pond tosupermarket shelf. Consumers also want to know where the seafood camefrom and how fresh it is. Processors and distributors also care aboutsustainability, conditions during shipping, and any potential productdiversion or switching. Other stakeholders, like customs authorities andtransporters, need accurate, high-resolution information on the seafoodto verify the product's authenticity and expedite customs proceedings.

The current systems in place provide only limited information and areeasily tampered with and cumbersome to operate. Some systems evenrequire users to manually gather and enter data. Seafood supply chaintracking systems only provide part of the information and do not allowall stakeholders to easily access relevant info as the systems do notcurrently possess a means for fully automated, multi-dimensionalshore-to-shelf traceability. Current systems include bar code, QR codeand RFID tracking systems, which allow shipments to be passively trackedby separate reader devices or agents, and usually do not process,analyze or store data. Bar code or QR code tracking systems require theprinted codes to be read by an optical reader (OR) device in order tospatially link the labeled shipment with the reader. Furthermore, suchsystems do not collect vital environmental data, such as temperature,light, or physical disruption. While RFID tracking systems may dispensewith the necessity of individually scanning items using readers andutilize RF gates instead, the RFID chips often provide only spatialinformation. Even systems of RFID tags associated with temperature orhumidity sensors can only log and/or transmit small amounts of data atvery low bandwidth, and require an accompanying network interface toprovide access to wireless networks to be set up in order for suchsystems to work. Such systems are limited in the breadth and depth ofdata that they can collect (i.e. due to limited memory), and furtherlimited by the investment inherent in wireless network setup and by thestructural necessity of passing through reader gates. Furthermore, evenwhen some form of supply chain tracking system is in place, multiplestakeholders and end consumers cannot easily access relevant, in-depthinformation.

Fishermen and transporters may lack technological capability and may nothave the time or attention to spare to correctly install, set up oractivate tracking systems or devices. One mistake may render an entireset of data inaccurate or incomplete. Especially when accurate andup-to-date data are needed to cross borders or ensure compliance withsustainability guidelines, such mistakes could delay processing orrequire inspectors to personally check the product, incurring thousandsof dollars in losses due to spoilage or fees for inspectors.

The lack of easily obtainable and accessible traceability informationlinking fishermen, transporters, processors, distributors and endconsumers limits the ability of all involved to make informed choices,and necessitates time-consuming and expensive regulation. Withoutdetailed transportation quality information, fishermen and distributorsmay not be able to choose the best transportation service. Withoutautomated real-time environmental data reporting, processors ordistributors could only use passive tracker logs or manifests todocument unsafe product rather than to actively prevent productshrinkage. Furthermore, without broad, automated data collection, it isdifficult for seafood producers, processors and distributors toestablish credibility in regards to food safety or to resolve foodsafety issues. Without the same broad, high-resolution data, auditingagencies cannot efficiently determine the degree of sustainability inseafood production and within the seafood product supply chain. Withoutsuch data, shipments must often wait at national borders for safetyinspections, negatively affecting the freshness, quality and value ofthe product. Were such data available, border crossings could beexpedited with minimal danger to consumers, reducing both inspector feesand the risk of product spoilage. And finally, without access todetailed origin and supply chain environmental information, endconsumers cannot make fully informed purchasing choices, which leads tofurther wasted resources.

SUMMARY

Disclosed are a method, a device and systems of tracking data associatedwith distribution and consolidation of a shipment.

In one aspect, a device for tracking a first load may comprise a memorycomprising a series of instructions. When executed by a processor of thedevice, the instructions cause the device to receive a pre-generatedsession identification number, wherein the pre-generated sessionidentification number is assigned to the first load and a MAC address ofthe device. The instructions further cause the device to initialize oneor more environmental sensors of the device. The device then generates,through the one or more environmental sensors, environmental datapertaining to one or more factors of an environment surrounding thedevice. The device further executes a propagation query to generate asecond session identification number adapted from the pre-generatedsession identification number to indicate a divisional relationship withthe pre-generated session identification number, the second sessionidentification number being related to a second load derived from thefirst load.

In another aspect, a method of tracking a first load involves receiving,through a processor of a device, a pre-generated session identificationnumber, the pre-generated session identification number being related tothe first load and a MAC address of the device. The method furtherinvolves, upon receiving the pre-generated session identificationnumber, initializing, through the processor of the device, one or moreenvironmental sensors of the device. The method additionally involvesgenerating, through the one or more environmental sensors, environmentaldata pertaining to one or more factors of an environment surrounding thedevice. Further yet, the method involves executing a propagation query,through the processor of the device, to generate a second sessionidentification number adapted from the pre-generated sessionidentification number to indicate a divisional relationship with thepre-generated session identification number, the second sessionidentification number being related to a second load derived from thefirst load.

In yet another aspect, a system comprises a first device tracking afirst load, the first device comprising a memory. The system alsocomprises a second device tracking a second load derived from a firstload wherein the second device comprises a memory. The memory of thefirst device stores instructions that when executed by a processor ofthe first device cause the first device to: receive a pre-generatedfirst session identification number, the pre-generated first sessionidentification number being related to the first load and a MAC addressof the first device; upon receiving the pre-generated first sessionidentification number, initialize one or more environmental sensors ofthe first device; generate, through the one or more environmentalsensors, environmental data pertaining to one or more factors of anenvironment surrounding the first device; store the environmental datain the memory of the first device; and execute a propagation query togenerate a second session identification number adapted from thepre-generated first session identification number to indicate adivisional relationship with the pre-generated first sessionidentification number, the second session identification number beingrelated to the second load.

In a further aspect, a system comprises a server comprising a memorystoring a whitelist comprising one or more MAC addresses. The systemfurther comprises a first device communicatively coupled to the server,the first device tracking a first load and comprising a memory, thememory comprising instructions. When executed by a processor of thefirst device, the instructions cause the first device to: communicate aMAC address of the first device to the server; receive a first sessionidentification number from the server, wherein the first sessionidentification number is generated by the server upon comparing, througha processor of the server, the MAC address of the first device againstone or more MAC addresses of the whitelist and wherein the first sessionidentification number is assigned to the first load and the MAC addressof the first device; initialize one or more environmental sensors of thefirst device; generate, through the one or more environmental sensors ofthe first device, environmental data pertaining to one or more factorsof an environment surrounding the first device; and communicate apropagation query to the server that when executed by the server causesthe server to generate a second session identification number adaptedfrom the first session identification number to indicate a divisionalrelationship with the first session identification number, the secondsession identification number being assigned to a second load derivedfrom the first load.

In yet a further aspect, a system comprises a data processing devicecomprising a memory. The system also comprises a tracking devicecommunicatively coupled to the data processing device, the trackingdevice tracking a first load and comprising a memory, the memorycomprising instructions. When executed by a processor of the trackingdevice, the instructions cause the tracking device to receive aninitialization signal from the data processing device. The trackingdevice also communicates a MAC address of the tracking device to thedata processing device. The tracking device further receives a sessionidentification number from the data processing device, wherein thesession identification number is generated by the data processing deviceand communicated to the tracking device upon comparing, through aprocessor of the data processing device, the MAC address of the trackingdevice against one or more MAC addresses aggregated in a whiteliststored in the memory of the data processing device. The sessionidentification number is related to the first load and the MAC addressof the tracking device. The tracking device also initializes one or moreenvironmental sensors of the tracking device. Furthermore, the trackingdevice generates, through the one or more environmental sensors,environmental data pertaining to one or more factors of an environmentsurrounding the tracking device. The tracking device also communicates apropagation query to the data processing device that when executed bythe data processing device causes the data processing device to generatea second session identification number adapted from the sessionidentification number to indicate a divisional relationship with thesession identification number, the second session identification numberbeing related to a second load derived from the first load.

The methods and systems disclosed herein may be implemented in any meansfor achieving various aspects, and may be executed in a form of anon-transitory machine-readable medium embodying a set of instructionsthat, when executed by a machine, cause the machine to perform any ofthe operations disclosed herein. Other features will be apparent fromthe accompanying drawings and from the detailed description thatfollows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments of this invention are illustrated by way of example andnot limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in whichlike references indicate similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a tracking system, according to one or moreembodiments.

FIG. 2 is a database schema illustrating an organization of datagathered by the tracking system of FIG. 1, according to one or moreembodiments.

FIG. 3 is a component view of a tracking device of the tracking systemof FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating communications performed betweencomponents within the tracking system of FIG. 1, according to one ormore embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of the tracking system ofFIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 6A is a segmented flowchart illustrating an embodiment of thetracking system of FIG. 1 comprising two or more tracking devices,according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 6B is a segmented flowchart illustrating an embodiment of thetracking system of FIG. 1 comprising two or more tracking devices and adata processing device, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 6C is a segmented flowchart illustrating an embodiment of thetracking system of FIG. 1 comprising two or more tracking device, a dataprocessing device, and a server, according to one or more embodiments.

Other features of the present embodiments will be apparent from theaccompanying drawings and from the detailed description that follows.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments, as described below, may be used to provide amethod, a system and/or a device of tracking data associated withdistribution and consolidation of a shipment.

Disclosed is a system that facilitates end-to-end traceability of aload, where the load may be subdivided. We define “traceability” as thecollection and aggregation of data regarding parameters relevant to thetransport of goods, for example: identifying information, location overtime, state of disruption and environmental data. The system mayhereinafter be referred to as “traceability system” or “trackingsystem”.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1, a schematic diagram of a trackingsystem. In one embodiment, a load 100 may comprise a container of goods.Possible types of goods include perishable goods, such as seafood orvegetables, and nonperishable goods, such as dry goods or machine parts.For example, a fishing vessel 102 may unload a load of seafood onto adock. In one embodiment, the load may be a divisible load. Once the load100A is divided as a distributed shipment 104A, each division of theload 100A may be considered a load 100B. The load 100B may be dividedfurther as a distributed shipment 104N comprising a load 100N. Loads100A-N may be subsequently consolidated (i.e. separated for shipment andconsolidated after reaching shipment destination). In yet anotherembodiment, a load may comprise an indivisible load.

Traceability involves collecting data regarding a load throughout theprogress of the load through a supply chain or a value chain.Aggregating the collected data permits any party with access to the datato easily access information about the load's condition during one ormore segments of the supply chain or value chain. Traceability of theload 100A may be accomplished using a tracking device (TD) 106A, whichmay be placed near or in the load 100A to track the load 100A. Each TDfunctions as a single data-gathering unit within the traceability systemof FIG. 1. Used in concert, the TDs may provide multi-facetedinformation regarding a load and its parts as the load is divided andconsolidated throughout the shipment, processing and packaging process.

The TD 106A may record environmental data and store the data generatedby the TD 106A. The data may then be reviewable by any number of endusers 114 with permitted access to the data. The end users 114 maycomprise at least one of a government oversight 116, a processing plant118, transportation and warehousing 119, or consumers 120.

The types of data collected may comprise temperature, humidity, exposureto light, GPS location over time, TD tampering, and other types of data.Other types of data may be collected and are within the scope of theexemplary embodiments described herein. The data from tracking devices106A-N may be aggregated in the memory of a data processing device 113or communicated through a network 110 to a server 112 to be stored inthe server 112.

Each of the TDs 106A-N is associated with a MAC address and alsoassociated with a session identifier (session ID) 122A-N. Additionally,the data processing device 113 may be associated with the session ID122A-N.

In one embodiment, the TD 106B may receive a session ID 122B from amemory of the TD 106A. In another embodiment, the TD 106B may receivethe session ID 122B from the server 112 or a DPD 113.

Each of the session IDs 122A-N may be associated with a part of adivided load, a stage in the transport of a single load, or a loadhaving any other divisional relationship with a prior load.

When a load associated with a session ID is divided, the parts of thedivided load may become associated with session IDs adapted from thesession ID of the original load. Such relationships between session IDsmay be maintained throughout further divisions. For example, if the load100B (a part of the load 100A) is further divided in a load 100N, thesession ID 122N (associated with load 100N) may be adapted from thesession ID 122B which in turn was adapted from the session ID 122A ofthe load 100A. Thus, the session IDs 122A-N may reflect both thedivisions and the original relationships between the parts of a load.

In another embodiment, the TD 106A may establish a secure connectionwith a server 112. To establish the secure connection, the TD 106A andthe server 112 may perform an authentication procedure. In oneembodiment of an authentication procedure, the TD 106A may communicateits MAC address to the server 112, the server 112 then comparing the MACaddress of the TD 106A against one or more MAC addresses aggregated in awhitelist stored in a memory of the server 112. After authentication,the TD 106A may proceed to communicate environmental data to the server112.

“Propagation” is defined as the initialization of a second recordingsession related to a first recording session, the second recordingsession having a session ID adapted from the session ID of the firstrecording session. The first recording session may also be called the“upper-level session” (or the first-level session 124) associated withan “upper-level session ID,” (the session ID 122A) and the secondrecording session may also be called the “lower-level session” (or thesecond-level session 126) associated with a “lower-level session ID”(the session ID 122B). The lower-level session in one propagation eventmay later be the upper-level session in a later propagation event, justas a lower-level session ID may be adapted during a later propagationevent into a further lower-level session ID. Furthermore, “lower-level”and “upper-level” are only relative terms, and do not imply a stricthierarchical relationship.

Thus, the session ID 122B will indicate a divisional relationship withthe session ID 122A, indicating that the first-level session 124 and thesecond-level session 126, and the loads 100A and 100B associated withthem, respectively, are related, but not necessarily identical.

In one embodiment, the second-level session 126 may be associated withthe load 100B, which may be a part of the load 100A associated with thefirst-level session 124. In another embodiment, the second-level session126 may be associated with a different step in a supply chain or valuechain of the load 100A associated with the first-level session 124.

The session ID 122B may be adapted in multiple ways. In one embodiment,alphanumeric characters may be appended to the session ID 122A to createthe session ID 122B. For example, if the session ID 122A is “00001”, thesession ID 122B (or other session IDs at the same level in thehierarchy) may include “00001A”, “00001B”, etc. In another embodiment,characters within the session ID 122A may be altered in a sequentialmanner. For example, if the session ID 122A is “00001B”, the associatedsession ID 122B may include “00001C”. In another embodiment, the sessionID 122B may not share overt characteristics with the session ID 122A.Other session ID propagation labeling schemes may exist and are withinthe scope of the exemplary embodiments described herein. For example,the propagation scheme may adhere to an algorithm or cipher in order tomask associations between loads at different levels of the hierarchy.The algorithm may be stored in the server 112 or in the data processingdevice 113. Only select devices and/or users of the traceability systemmay be able to access the algorithm in order to determine the maskedassociations between the loads.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which illustrates a load distributionand consolidation (LDC) database schema 200 of an LDC database 202stored in a memory 204 of the server 112 of FIG. 1. The LDC databaseschema 200 comprises one or more relation tables, each of which maycomprise one or more fields; the one or more fields may be primaryand/or unique. When session IDs are created, their location of originmay be tracked in the LDC database 202 in a relation table: sessionidentifier origin 206. Session identifier origin 206 may comprise aunique first field, SID 208 which comprises one or more unique sessionIDs. Session identifier origin 206 may additionally comprise a secondfield, latitude 210, and a third field, longitude 212. Latitude 210 andlongitude 212 may store geographical coordinates of a TD having anassociated SID 208. For example, the “00001” entry in SID 208 may have alatitude 210 at 34.166042 and a longitude 212 at −118.077069.

The LDC database schema 200 may also comprise another relation table:whitelist 214, which may comprise a single field, MAC address 216. MACaddress 216 may comprise one or more unique MAC addresses. Furthermore,the LDC database schema 200 may comprise yet another relation table: MACaddress assignment 218. MAC address assignment 218 may comprise a uniquefirst field, SID 222 which may comprise one or more unique session IDs.MAC address assignment 218 may comprise a second field, MAC address 224,which may store the MAC addresses of one or more TDs associated withcorresponding session IDs in SID 222. MAC address assignment 218 mayalso store MAC addresses of one or more data processing deviceassociated with one or more session IDs from SID 222. In the case ofmore than one MAC address assignment to a single session ID in SID 222,MAC address assignment 218 may comprise further MAC address fields, thusallowing SID 222 to remain unique.

Specific information for specific TDs may be stored in device info 225.Device info 225 may be a relation table, a repository, or other datastructure. Device info 225 may comprise test results 227 (e.g. fromself-calibration) as well as tamper log 229 and other log files 231. Thetamper log 229 may track one or more events in which an associated TDwas tampered with (e.g. pried open, shaken vigorously, broken duringtransit, etc.).

The relationship between session IDs (e.g. session ID 122A and 122B) maybe stored in a relation table: propagation tracker 226. Propagationtracker 226 may comprise a unique first field SID 228 of one or moreunique session IDs; propagation tracker 226 may comprise a second fieldorigin SID 228 having one or more origin session IDs, propagationtracker 226 thus relating the one or more unique session IDs of thefirst field to the corresponding one or more origin SIDs of the secondfield. Propagation tracker 226 may relate further session IDs with asingle origin SID. For example, origin SID 00001 may be related tosession IDs 00001A, 00001B, 00001C and so on. In this way, the SID 228field remains unique.

Sensor data associated with a certain session ID may be stored inanother relation table, data tracker 232. Data tracker 232 may comprisea first field SID 234 comprising one or more session IDs; data tracker232 may comprise one or more other fields having sensor data. Forexample, the relation table may comprise another field, time 236, havinga timestamp for each entry (e.g. time of initialization, time of routinedata gathering, etc.); data tracker 232 may comprise further fieldshaving data comprising date 238, latitude 240, longitude 242,environmental data 244 (e.g. temperature, as shown in FIG. 2), and othersensor data. data tracker 232 would thus relate the one or more sessionIDs of SID 234 to the corresponding sensor data of the one or more otherfields. Other data types may also be aggregated in and tracked by datatracker 232 and are within the scope of the exemplary embodimentdescribed herein.

The propagation process comprises the execution of a propagation query,the generation of a lower-level session ID, the communication of thelower-level session ID to a second tracking device, the assignment ofthe lower-level session ID to a second recording session, and theinitialization of the second recording session comprising initializationof data generation through one or more sensors of the second trackingdevice.

In one embodiment, a TD may execute a propagation query. Such a processmay be referred to as a “propagation event.” The propagation query is aninstruction that may be executed in response to one or more of: aphysical manipulation of controls, a remote signal, or a sensor inputreaching a predetermined threshold. The execution of the propagationquery generates a lower-level session ID adapted from an upper-levelsession ID. As described above, in an embodiment wherein the upper-levelsession ID is associated with a first recording session of a first load,the lower-level session ID may then be associated with a secondrecording session of a second load related to the first load (i.e. afurther step in the tracking of the first load). As such, sensor dataassociated with the second recording session may be further associatedwith the first recording session. For example, the sensor data may bestored in a database on a server, and the association may beaccomplished by means of relation tables as described in FIG. 2 (i.e. inpropagation tracker 226 and data tracker 232). In another example, thedata may be stored locally on a TD or a DPD, and the associated data maybe read and displayed by an application executed by the DPD.

The propagation event may be triggered in multiple ways by any device.In one embodiment, the propagation event may be triggered by themanipulation of physical controls on the TD (e.g. buttons pressed,prolonged agitation, etc.). In another embodiment, the propagation eventmay be triggered by a signal from a DPD communicatively coupled with theTD (e.g. through NFC, Bluetooth, wired coupling, etc.). In yet anotherembodiment, the propagation event may be triggered by a second TDcommunicatively coupled with the first TD (e.g. through NFC, Bluetooth,wired coupling, etc.). In yet another embodiment, the propagation eventmay be triggered by a signal from a remote server. Other methods oftriggering the propagation event may exist and are within the scope ofthe exemplary embodiments described herein.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which illustrates a component view of atracking device 300 of the tracking system of FIG. 1. The TD 300 maycomprise a protective covering 302, a processor 304, a memory 306, apower source 308, a sensor array 310, a network interface 312 having asassociated MAC address 313, a GPS 314, and a clock 316.

The protective covering 302 may be waterproof and may be removable inorder to gain access to the components of the TD 300. The TD 300 mayalso have comprise means of detecting tampering of the TD 300.

The memory 306 may be communicatively coupled to the processor 304, andmay comprise at least one of a volatile memory and a non-volatilememory. Other forms and functions of memory are within the scope of theexemplary embodiments described herein.

The sensor array 310 is communicatively coupled to the processor 304,and may comprise at least one sensor. A sensor may be any device thatmeasures a sensory input (e.g. video, humidity, pressure, temperature,physical strain, infrared light, genomic information, etc.) and recordsand/or subsequently communicates the sensory input to a processor. Otherforms and functions of sensors may be incorporated into the TD 300 andare within the scope of the exemplary embodiments.

The power source 308 may comprise a charging system. In anotherembodiment, the power source 308 may further comprise a backup battery.In another embodiment, the power source 308 may be a solar panel. Otherforms and functions of power sources and charging systems may beincorporated into the TD 300 and are within the scope of the exemplaryembodiments.

In one embodiment, the TD 300 may further comprise an IO port (notshown). In another embodiment, the TD 300 may further comprise atransceiver (not shown).

Alternate embodiments of the TD 300 are contemplated to adapt the TD 300to tracking different varieties of loads in different conditions. The TD300 may comprise one or more physical buttons which may allow triggeringof a propagation event or initialization and/or termination of recordingsessions of the TD 300. The physical buttons may further allowinformation to be saved, discarded, or communicated to a second device.The TD 300 may comprise a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen or anyother type of display which may allow the TD 300 to display informationregarding recording sessions, sensors, communication with other devices,or other information. In one embodiment, the buttons and display may beused in concert to allow the TD 300 to be securely initialized by meansof a password or a code. The TD 300 may further comprise an antenna onthe transceiver to facilitate communication with other devices.

Alternate protective coverings for the TD are contemplated to adapt theTD to tracing different varieties of loads in different conditions. Inone embodiment, the protective covering 302 may comprise a waterprooffabric with a protective pocket for electrical components. Such aprotective covering 302 may further comprise strain gauge sensorsintegrated into the fabric to measure variations in movement. In anotherembodiment, the protective covering 302 may comprise a rubber coveringstructured to resemble a fish. Such a covering may allow the TD 300 toblend in with a load of fish and collect data more ubiquitously. Thenetwork interface 312 may be a wireless communication interface (e.g.WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.) or a wired communication interface (e.g. Ethernetport) or a cell communication interface (e.g. GSM, CDMA, etc.) and maycomprise a unique MAC address 313. The network interface 312 may enablethe TD 300 to communicatively couple to other devices and to a network(e.g. a local area network, a wide area network, a personal areanetwork, etc.). The clock 316 may be a real-time clock that may operateindependently of the power source 308.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4, in which communication performedbetween components of the tracking system of FIG. 1 are illustrated. Thetracking system may comprise a network 400. The network 400 may be awide-area network (WAN), a local-area network (LAN), or a personal areanetwork (PAN). The network 400 may be part of the Internet or may existas an intranet. For example, a fleet of fishing vessels related throughthe same fishing company may be members of a single intranet.

The tracking system may track a load 402, which may comprise a TD 404.The TD 404 may be communicatively coupled to a lightweight directoryaccess protocol (LDAP)-enabled device 406. The TD 404 may be furthercommunicatively coupled to a data processing device (DPD) 408. The TD404 and the DPD 408 may be communicatively coupled to a server 410through the network 400.

LDAP is an application protocol that enables access and maintenance ofdirectories through an internet protocol (IP) network. The LDAP-enableddevice 406 may be used in concert with the TD 404 to facilitateauthentication of the TD 404 in order to subsequently initiate thetracking of the load 402. The LDAP-enabled device 406 may comprise amemory, in which a MAC address whitelist may be stored. The LDAP-enableddevice 406 may receive an LDAP query from the TD 404 during the courseof authenticating a MAC address of the TD 404. Depending on whether thecheck is successful or unsuccessful, the LDAP-enabled device 406 maycommunicate an LDAP response to the TD 404. If the check was successful,the LDAP response may be a validation of the MAC address, which the TD404 may require in order to initialize one or more environmental sensorsof the TD 404. Once initialized, the TD 404 may commence tracking of theload 402, generating environmental data pertaining to an environmentsurrounding the load 402. The environmental data may be communicated tothe DPD 408 and/or the server 410, through the network 400. TheLDAP-enabled device 406 may be communicatively coupled to the DPD 408 orserver 410 to update the MAC address whitelist.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5, in which a method of the trackingsystem of FIG. 1 is illustrated, according to one or more embodiments.Operation 500 involves receiving, through a processor of a device, apre-generated session identification number being related to a firstload and a MAC address of the device. Operation 502 involves, subsequentupon receiving the pre-generated session identification number,initializing, through the processor of the device, one or moreenvironmental sensors of the device. Operation 504 involves generating,through the one or more environmental sensors, environmental datapertaining to one or more factors of an environmental surrounding thedevice. Operation 506 involves executing a propagation query, throughthe processor of the device, to generate a second session identificationnumber adapted from the pre-generated session identification number toindicate a divisional relationship with the pre-generated sessionidentification number, the second session identification number beingrelated to a second load derived from the first load.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 6A-6C, each of which illustrate asegmented flowchart demonstrating various embodiments of the trackingsystem of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6A illustrates a tracking system comprising a primary-level TD anda secondary-level TD. In Operation 600, the primary-level TD may receivea pre-generated first SID, the first SID being related to a first loadand a MAC address of the primary-level TD. In Operation 602, theprimary-level TD may, upon receiving the first SID, initialize one ormore environmental sensors of the primary-level TD. In Operation 604,the primary-level TD may generate, through the one or more environmentalsensors, environmental data pertaining to one or more factors of anenvironment surrounding the primary-level TD. In Operation 606, theprimary-level TD may store the environmental data in the memory of theprimary-level TD. In Operation 608, the primary-level TD may execute apropagation query to generate a second SID adapted from the first SID toindicate a divisional relationship with the first SID, the second SIDbeing related to a second load. In Operation 610, the primary-level TDmay establish a communicative coupling with a secondary-level TD. InOperation 612, the primary-level TD may assign the second SID to thesecondary-level TD and communicate the second SID to the secondary-levelTD. In Operation 614, the secondary-level TD may receive the second SIDfrom the primary-level TD. In Operation 616, the secondary-level TD mayinitialize one or more environmental sensors of the secondary-level TD.In Operation 618, the secondary-level TD may generate environmental datathrough the one or more environmental sensors of the secondary-level TD.In Operation 620, the secondary-level TD may store the environmentaldata in a memory of the secondary-level TD.

In one embodiment, the traceability system may comprise two TDs, a firstTD and a second TD. The first TD may comprise a first memory, and thesecond TD may comprise a second memory. A first TD may track a firstload, while a second TD may track a second load. The first TD mayinitialize a first recording session and then propagate the firstrecording session to the second TD, in a manner detailed below.

The first TD may initialize a first recording session. To initialize therecording session, a processor of the first TD may execute instructionsstored in the first memory. The instructions may cause the first TD toread a pre-generated first session ID number related to the first loadand also related to a MAC address of the first TD, the pre-generatedfirst session ID number being stored in the first memory. Uponinitialization, the first TD may generate environmental data through oneor more environmental sensors and store the data in the memory. Thesedata may be associated with the first session ID. The environmental datamay comprise temperature, salinity, light, pH, genomic information,mechanical strain and agitation. Other data may also be generated by theenvironmental sensors and are within the scope of the exemplaryembodiments discussed herein.

The first TD may then propagate the recording session to the second TD.To propagate the recording session, the first TD may execute apropagation query to generate a second session ID adapted from the firstsession ID to indicate a divisional relationship with the first sessionID. The second session ID may be related to the second load.

In one embodiment, the first TD may communicatively couple to a secondTD. The first TD may then assign a second session ID to the second TD.

In another embodiment, upon being assigned a second session ID, thesecond TD may initialize one or more sensors. The second TD may thengenerate environmental data through the sensors, and store theenvironmental data in the memory of the second TD.

In yet another embodiment, the first TD may generate an encrypted reportcomprising the environmental data stored in the memory of the first TD(i.e. environmental data associated with the first load). The encryptedreport may provide a user read-only access to the environmental datastored in the memory of the first TD. The first TD may then communicatethe encrypted report to a first DPD communicatively coupled to the firstdevice. The second TD may also generate an encrypted report comprisingthe environmental data stored in the memory of the second TD. Theencrypted report may provide a user read-only access to theenvironmental data stored in the memory of the second TD (i.e.environmental data associated with the second load). The second TD maythen communicate the encrypted report to a second DPD communicativelycoupled to the second TD. An authorized user may then read the report onthe first or the second DPD. In one embodiment, the user may enter apasscode on the first or the second DPD that would cause the first orthe second DPD to decrypt and display the report.

In yet another embodiment, the first TD may store a hyperlink in a firstRFID chip. An RFID chip or “tag” is a storage device that communicatesthrough use of electromagnetic fields to transfer data, and does notrequire precise orientation between a reader and a “tag” when the “tag”is being read by the reader. Since data can be easily stored and readfrom a “tag” that is enabled in this way, these tags are often used totrack and identify objects in transit. In one embodiment, the hyperlinkstored on the RFID “tag” may provide a user access to the encryptedreport comprising environmental data stored in the memory of the firstTD. The second TD may also store a hyperlink in a second RFID “tag” ofthe second TD. The hyperlink may provide a user access to the encryptedreport comprising environmental data stored in the memory of the secondTD.

In another embodiment, the first RFID chip may be external to the firstTD and may accompany specific units within a load. For example, in aload of seafood, the first TD may be placed within the load, but thefirst RFID (or a plurality thereof) may accompany a subunit of the load(e.g. a single crate of fish, specific fish, etc.).

One embodiment of the system may be applied to track a load which isdivided en route. For example, Producer A may ship a load of fish toCompany B for processing, and Company B may ship subshipments of theload to Companies C and D. Producer A may place a first TD with the loadof fish for shipping from Producer A to Company B. The first TD mayinitialize a recording session, collect environmental data, andassociate the data with a first session ID assigned to the recordingsession. Company B may process the fish and divide the load into asubshipment C bound for Company C, and a subshipment D bound for CompanyD. Company B may then send the first TD back to Producer A so thatProducer A can review the data tracked by and stored in the first TD.Company B may also propagate the first session ID of the first recordingsession from the first TD to a second and a third TD, and place thesecond TD with subshipment C and the third TD with subshipment D. Thesession ID of the second and third TDs may be associated with the firstsession ID of the first TD, such that the relationship between the twosubshipments and the original shipment may be understood by authorizedusers. Both the second TD and the third TD may collect environmentaldata associated with their respective session IDs. Once the subshipmentsarrive at Companies C and D, the environmental data stored in thememories of the TDs may be accessed by users at Companies C and D, suchthat the users can make informed decisions regarding the safety andquality of the fish. A user at Company C may use a DPD to access anencrypted report generated by the second TD and stored in the memory ofthe second TD. The user may enter a passcode on the DPD to gain accessto the encrypted report. Additionally, were a foodborne disease bediscovered by consumers of Company D, subshipment C may be quicklyidentified as possibly contaminated due to the relationship between thesecond and third session IDs, and the source of the disease may betraced back to Company B or Producer A due to the relationship betweenthe first, second and third session IDs. In another embodiment, thefirst TD may not be sent back to Producer A, but rather placed with oneof the subshipments after the propagation event. In yet anotherembodiment, during processing of subshipment D at Company D, the thirdTD may store a hyperlink in an RFID “tag” to provide a user access tothe encrypted report. The RFID “tag” may then be placed within asubshipment E of subshipment D, and then the subshipment E may then beshipped to Retailer E. An authorized user at Retailer E may use ahandheld RFID reader (e.g. a smartphone) to access the encrypted reportand subsequently examine relevant information, such as location oforigin, environmental data, and other data.

A traceability system utilizing only TDs may be beneficial for a numberof reasons. Such a traceability system does not require a centralizedserver and instead utilizes robust, stand-alone TDs that create aself-sustaining tracking solution. Furthermore, data security is enhancesince the data is localized to the TD by which it was generated and mayonly be retrieved or wiped by authorized devices (i.e. with MACaddresses on the MAC address whitelist). Such a traceability system maybe ideal for a small to medium-scale operation with limited funds.

In another embodiment, the traceability system may involve one or moreTDs and one or more servers. A first TD may comprise a first memory. Aserver may comprise a processor and a second memory, in which secondmemory may be stored a whitelist of MAC addresses. The first TD may becommunicatively coupled to the server. The first TD may track a firstload. The first TD may receive a first session ID from the server,initialize a first recording session associated with the first sessionID, and then query the server for a second session ID which may be laterassigned to a second TD, in the manner detailed below.

The first TD may initialize a first recording session. To initialize thefirst recording session, the processor of the first TD may executeinstructions stored in the first memory of the first TD. Theinstructions may cause the first TD to communicate its MAC address tothe server. The server may then generate, through the processor of theserver, the first session ID upon a successful match when comparing theMAC address of the first device against one or more MAC addresses of thewhitelist. The first TD may then receive the first session ID from theserver.

Upon receiving the first session ID, the first TD may associate thefirst session ID to the first load and may also associate the firstsession ID to the MAC address of the first TD. This association may bestored in the memory of the first TD and/or may be communicated to theserver to be stored in the memory of the server. The first TD may theninitialize a first recording session. Upon initialization, the first TDmay generate environmental data through one or more environmentalsensors and store the data in the first memory. These data may beassociated with the first session ID. The environmental data maycomprise temperature, salinity, light, pH, genomic information,mechanical strain and agitation. Other data may be generated by theenvironmental sensors.

The first TD may then propagate the recording session. To propagate therecording session, the first TD may communicate a propagation query tothe server. Upon receiving and executing the propagation query, theserver may generate a second session ID adapted from the first sessionID to indicate a divisional relationship with the first session ID. Thesecond session ID may later be assigned to a second recording session ofa second TD tracking a second load. Record of the assignation may betracked by the server and stored in the second memory of the server.

In one embodiment, the system may further comprise an LDAP device. Inone embodiment, the LDAP device may be a USB dongle. In otherembodiment, the LDAP device may be a data processing device. In yetanother embodiment, the LDAP device may be a server.

To increase security, assigning the first session ID to the first devicemay comprise further steps involving the LDAP device. The first TD maycommunicate an LDAP request to the LDAP device. The LDAP request may bean LDAP MAC address query request. The LDAP device may generate an LDAPresponse validating the LDAP MAC address query request and communicatethe LDAP response to the first TD. The first TD may then proceed toassign the first session ID to the first load and to the MAC address ofthe first TD.

In one embodiment, the traceability system may further comprise a secondTD, the second TD being communicatively coupled to the server. Thesecond TD may comprise a third memory. The third memory may compriseinstructions that, when executed by the second TD, cause it tocommunicate with the server and initialize a second recording session.The second TD may track the second load.

The second TD may initialize a second recording session. To initializethe second recording session, a processor of the second TD may executeinstructions stored in the third memory of the second TD. Theinstructions may cause the second TD to receive the second session IDfrom the server (i.e. the session ID having been propagated from thefirst session ID), the second session ID being assigned to the MACaddress of the second TD. The second session ID may be adapted from thefirst session ID to demonstrate a divisional relationship with the firstsession ID. Upon assigning the second session ID, the second TD may theninitialize the second recording session. Upon initialization, the secondTD may generate environmental data through one or more environmentalsensors and store the data in the third memory. These data may beassociated with the second session ID. The environmental data maycomprise temperature, salinity, light, pH, genomic information,mechanical strain and agitation. Other data may be generated by theenvironmental sensors. The second TD may communicate the data to theserver to be stored in the second memory.

In yet another embodiment, the first TD may further execute processesthat involve communicating environmental data to the server.Specifically, the first memory of the first TD may comprise a furtherinstructions that, when executed by the processor of the first TD, maycause the first TD to communicate the environmental data generated bythe one or more environmental sensors of the first TD to the server.

In one embodiment, the data may be aggregated. The memory of the servermay further comprise instructions that, when executed by the processorof the server, cause the server to aggregate the data through theprocessor of the server. The data may comprise the data generatedthrough the one or more environmental sensors of the first TD and theone or more environmental sensors of the second TD. In one embodiment,the aggregated data may be stored in a database. The server may thenfurther generate, through the processor of the server, one or more viewsof the aggregated environmental data. The one or more views may providevarying degrees of detail pertaining to at least one of the first loadand the second load. In one embodiment, the views may comprise joinedrelation tables. In another embodiment, the views may comprise text, forexample, summaries of the data generated by the first TD and the secondTD. In yet another embodiment, the views may comprise graphicalanalytics, such as line graphs or bar graphs.

In one embodiment, the system may further comprise a DPD. The DPD may bea server, a computer, a tablet, a smartphone, or another type of DPD.

For convenient and secure user reference, the DPD may receive anencrypted report from the first or the second TD. The memory of thefirst TD and the memory of the second TD may further compriseinstructions that when executed by the first or the second TD cause thefirst or the second TD to generate an encrypted report. The encryptedreport may comprise the environmental data generated by the first or thesecond TD. The encrypted report may provide a user read-only access tothe environmental data generated by the first TD or the second TD. Thefirst or the second TD may then communicate the encrypted report to adata processing device communicatively coupled to the first or thesecond TD. The encrypted report may only be accessed by users who haveaccess privileges; different users may have different levels of accessprivilege. Aspects of privileged access which may be restricted includeaccess to specific data sets and read/write capabilities. For example,within a commercial fishing operation, the fishing operations managermay have full access to data including read/write capabilities to enterauthorized edits, while a fishing vessel captain may have read-onlyaccess to data from all the vessels he captains, and a fishing vesselowner may have read-only access to data from his vessel. A dock workeror fishing vessel crew member may only have limited, read-only access todata—for example, data regarding the number of subshipments into whichthe load will be divided. Oversight agencies may have read-only accessto all data for convenient, secure audits. In addition, encryptedreports may be used to calculate and target micropayments to reportingentities. For example, an organization may elect to pay commercialfishing companies or shipping companies small fees in return for thecompanies' collecting, aggregating and reporting of environmental dataof the loads to the organization. The encrypted report may compriseidentifying information, such as usernames or MAC addresses of devices,that may allow secure and accurate disbursement of micropayments toindividuals associated with the usernames or companies/individuals whoown the devices.

The MAC address of the DPD may be associated with environmental datagenerated by TDs that it initialized. As such, shipments may be tracednot only to their geospatial origins but also to the DPDs thatauthorized the tracking of the shipments. Tracking a DPD's associationsmay facilitate accountability as well as enable a micropayment systemthat incentivizes fishing operations and processing plants to trackshipments originating at or passing through their respective facilities.Furthermore, the DPD may require user credentials to be entered in orderto authorize initialization of a TD. The user credentials may beassociated with environmental data generated by the TD. As such,shipments may also be traced to specific dock workers, processing plantworkers, or any user that may initialize an original TD or propagate thesession ID of an original TD to another TD. Tracking user credentials inthis way may facilitate accountability as well as enable a micropaymentsystem that incentivizes users of the traceability system to maximizeutility of the traceability system.

In one embodiment, the first TD may further comprise a firstradio-frequency identification (RFID) chip, and the second TD mayfurther comprise a second RFID chip.

For secure traceability further down the supply chain, the TD mayprovide users access to the encrypted data report through a hyperlinkstored in an RFID chip. The memory of the first TD and the memory of thesecond TD may further comprise instructions that, when executed by thefirst TD or the second TD, cause the first TD or the second TD to storea hyperlink in an RFID chip. The hyperlink may provide a user access tothe encrypted report of environmental data collected by the TD. The TDmay store hyperlinks in multiple RFID chips, and the RFID chips may beincluded with multiple subshipments of a single shipment. Duringtransport or upon delivery, an authorized user may scan an RFID chip andfollow the hyperlink to access the encrypted report. To increasesecurity, a passcode may be required to follow the hyperlink or accessthe report. For example, after a chain of TDs has been utilized to tracea load of fish from the dock to a processing plant, a user at theprocessing plant may trigger the TD to generate an encrypted report ofdata including temperature, GPS location, timestamps, and agitation. Theuser may then trigger the TD to store a hyperlink in an RFID chip,providing access to this report. The processing plant may then break theload into subshipments, include an RFID chip with each subshipment, andsend individual subshipments to individual wholesalers. As the transportbetween processing plant and wholesaler may already be secure and brief,a TD recording temperature, agitation, GPS location and timestamps maybe unnecessary or cost-prohibitive for that period. However, an RFIDchip may provide a user at the wholesaler with access to informationestablishing the safety, quality and security of the load during theless transparent transport from dock to processing plant.

FIG. 6B illustrates a tracking system comprising a DPD, a primary-levelTD, and a secondary-level TD. In Operation 630, the DPD may establish acommunicative coupling with and communicate an initialization signal toa primary-level TD. In Operation 632, the primary-level TD maycommunicate a MAC address of the primary-level TD to the DPD. InOperation 634, the DPD may compare the MAC address of the primary-levelTD against a whitelist of MAC addresses stored in a storage device ofthe DPD. In Operation 636, the DPD may generate a primary session ID andassociate the MAC address of the primary-level TD with the primarysession ID. In Operation 638, the DPD may communicate the primarysession ID to the primary-level TD. In Operation 640, the primary-levelTD may initialize one or more environmental sensors of the primary-levelTD. In Operation 642, generate primary environmental data through one ormore environmental sensors of the primary-level TD. In Operation 644,the primary-level TD may store the environmental data in a storagedevice of the primary-level TD or communicate the environmental data tothe DPD. In Operation 646, primary-level TD may communicate apropagation query to the DPD. In Operation 648, the DPD may establish acommunicative coupling with and communicate an initialization signal toa secondary-level TD. In Operation 650, the secondary-level TD maycommunicate a MAC address of the secondary-level TD to the DPD. InOperation 652, the DPD may compare the MAC address of thesecondary-level TD against a whitelist of MAC addresses stored in astorage device of the DPD. In Operation 654, the DPD may generate asecondary session ID, associate the MAC address of the secondary-levelTD with the secondary session ID, and communicate the secondary sessionID to the secondary-level TD. In Operation 656, the secondary-level TDmay generate secondary environmental data through one or moreenvironmental sensors of the secondary-level TD. In Operation 658, thesecondary-level TD may store the environmental data in a storage deviceof the primary-level TD or communicate the environmental data to theDPD.

In another embodiment, the tracking system may involve one or more TDsand one or more DPDs.

A first TD may comprise a first memory, and a second TD may comprise asecond memory. A first TD may track a first load, while the second TDmay track a second load. A first DPD may comprise a memory. A whitelistof MAC addresses of associated TDs permitted to be initialized by theDPD may be stored in the memory of the DPD. The first DPD may furthercomprise a processor and a display. The first DPD may communicativelycouple with the first TD and the second TD. The DPD may initialize arecording session of the first TD and assign a session ID to therecording session.

The first TD may communicatively couple to the DPD. The memory of thefirst TD may comprise instructions that, when executed by the processorof the first TD, may cause the first TD to communicate with the DPD andinitialize a recording session.

The DPD may communicate, and the first TD may receive, an initializationsignal. Upon receiving the initialization signal, the first TD maycommunicate its MAC address to the DPD. The DPD may then compare,through the processor of the DPD, the MAC address of the first TDagainst one or more MAC addresses aggregated in the whitelist stored inthe memory of the DPD. The DPD may then generate a session ID andcommunicate the session ID to the first TD.

The DPD may assign the session ID to the TD, to the first load, and tothe MAC address of the first TD.

The first TD may initialize one or more environmental sensors of thefirst TD, generate environmental data through the one or moreenvironmental sensors, and store the data in the memory of the first TD.These data may be associated with the first session ID. Theenvironmental data may comprise temperature, salinity, light, pH,genomic information, mechanical strain and agitation. Other data may begenerated by the environmental sensors.

The first TD may then propagate the recording session to the second TD.To propagate the recording session, the first TD may communicate apropagation query to the DPD. Upon receiving the propagation query, theDPD may generate a second session ID adapted from the first session IDto indicate a divisional relationship with the first session ID.

In one embodiment, the initialization signal is achieved through acommunicative coupling event between the TD and the DPD. Thecommunicative coupling may be achieved through wired connection, NFC,Bluetooth, WiFi, a data connection, or other forms of communicativecoupling.

In one embodiment, the system may further comprise the second TDcommunicatively coupled to the DPD. The memory of the second TD maycomprise instructions that, when executed by the processor of the secondTD, may cause the second TD to communicate with the DPD and initialize arecording session.

The DPD may communicate, and the second TD may receive, aninitialization signal. Upon receiving the initialization signal, thesecond TD may communicate its MAC address to the DPD. The DPD may thencompare, through the processor of the DPD, the MAC address of the secondTD against one or more MAC addresses aggregated in the whitelist storedin the memory of the DPD. The DPD may then generate a session ID andcommunicate the session ID to the second TD. Upon receiving the sessionID, the second TD may generate environmental data through one or moreenvironmental sensors of the second TD, and store the data in the memoryof the second TD. These data may be associated with the second sessionID. The environmental data may comprise temperature, salinity, light,pH, genomic information, mechanical strain and agitation. Other data maybe generated by the environmental sensors.

In one embodiment, the data may be aggregated by the DPD. The memory ofthe DPD may further comprise instructions that, when executed by theprocessor of the DPD, cause the DPD to aggregate the data through theprocessor of the DPD. The data may comprise the data generated throughthe one or more environmental sensors of the first TD and the one ormore environmental sensors of the second TD. In one embodiment, theaggregated data may be stored in a database. The server may then furthergenerate, through the processor of the DPD, one or more views of theaggregated environmental data. The one or more views may provide varyingdegrees of detail pertaining to at least one of the first load and thesecond load. In one embodiment, the views may comprise joined relationtables. In another embodiment, the views may comprise text, for examplesummaries. In yet another embodiment, the views may comprise graphicalrepresentations, for example line graphs or bar graphs.

For convenient and secure user reference, the DPD may receive anencrypted report from the TD. In one embodiment, the memory of the firstTD and the memory of the second TD may further comprise instructionsthat when executed by the first TD or the second TD cause the first TDor the second TD to generate an encrypted report. The encrypted reportmay comprise the environmental data generated by the first TD or thesecond TD. The encrypted report may provide a user read-only access tothe environmental data generated by the first TD or the second TD. Thefirst TD or the second TD may then communicate the encrypted report tothe DPD communicatively coupled to the first TD or the second TD. Theencrypted report may only be accessed by users who have privilegedaccess; different users may have different levels of privilege. Aspectsof privileged access which may be restricted include access to specificdata sets and read/write capabilities.

As described above, the ad hoc network of devices created by thecommunicatively coupled TD and DPD may take over the functionality of acloud-based server in similar networks. For example, a TD tracking loadtransported in a less-developed area may be securely initialized by aDPD operated by authorities at the dock, and the recording session maybe later propagated by authorized DPDs operated by workers at aprocessing plant. The encrypted reports of the recording sessions may beaggregated and securely stored by authorized DPDs at final destinationsof the load, and the reports may be separately uploaded and emailed byworkers at the final destinations.

For secure traceability further down the supply chain, the TD mayprovide users access to the encrypted data report through a hyperlinkstored in an RFID chip. In one embodiment, the memory of the first TDand the memory of the second TD may further comprise instructions that,when executed by the first TD or the second TD, cause the first TD orthe second TD to store a hyperlink in an RFID chip. The hyperlink mayprovide a user access to the encrypted report of environmental datacollected by the TD. The TD may store hyperlinks in multiple RFID chips,and the RFID chips may be included with multiple subshipments of asingle shipment.

FIG. 6C illustrates a tracking system comprising a server, a DPD, aprimary-level TD, and a secondary-level TD. In Operation 670, the DPDmay establish a communicative coupling with a primary-level TD andcommunicate an initialization signal to the primary-level TD. InOperation 672, the primary-level TD may communicate a MAC address of theprimary-level TD to a server. In Operation 674, the server may comparethe MAC address of the primary-level TD against a whitelist of MACaddresses stored in a storage device of the server. In Operation 676,the server may generate a primary session ID, associate the MAC addressof the primary-level TD with the primary session ID, and communicate theprimary session ID to the primary-level TD. In Operation 678, theprimary-level TD may generate primary environmental data through one ormore environmental sensors of the primary-level TD. In operation 680,the primary-level TD may store the environmental data in a storagedevice of the primary-level TD or communicate the environmental data tothe DPD or the server. In Operation 682, the DPD may communicate apropagation query to the server. In Operation 684, the DPD may establisha communicative coupling with a secondary-level TD and communicate aninitialization signal to the primary-level TD. In Operation 686, thesecondary-level TD may communicate the MAC address of thesecondary-level TD to the server. In Operation 688, the server maycompare the MAC address of the secondary-level TD against the whitelistof MAC addresses stored in the storage device of the server. InOperation 690, the server may generate a secondary session ID, associatethe MAC address of the secondary-level TD with the secondary session ID,and communicate the secondary session ID to the secondary-level TD. InOperation 692, the secondary-level TD may generate secondaryenvironmental data through one or more environmental sensors of thesecondary-level TD. In Operation 694, the secondary-level TD may storethe environmental data in a storage device of the primary-level TD orcommunicate the environmental data to the DPD or the server.

Although the present embodiments have been described with reference tospecific example embodiments, it will be evident that variousmodifications and changes may be made to these embodiments withoutdeparting from the broader spirit and scope of the various embodiments.For example, the various devices and modules described herein may beenabled and operated using hardware circuitry (e.g., CMOS based logiccircuitry), firmware, software or any combination of hardware, firmware,and software (e.g., embodied in a non-transitory machine-readablemedium). For example, the various electrical structure and methods maybe embodied using transistors, logic gates, and electrical circuits(e.g., application specific integrated (ASIC) circuitry and/or DigitalSignal Processor (DSP) circuitry).

In addition, it will be appreciated that the various operations,processes and methods disclosed herein may be embodied in anon-transitory machine-readable medium and/or a machine-accessiblemedium compatible with a data processing system. Accordingly, thespecification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative ratherthan a restrictive sense.

A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will beunderstood that various modifications may be made without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the claimed invention. In addition, the logicflows depicted in the figures do not require the particular order shown,or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In addition, othersteps may be provided, or steps may be eliminated, from the describedflows, and other components may be added to, or removed from, thedescribed systems. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scopeof the following claims.

It may be appreciated that the various systems, methods, and apparatusdisclosed herein may be embodied in a machine-readable medium and/or amachine accessible medium compatible with a data processing system(e.g., a computer system), and/or may be performed in any order.

The structures and modules in the figures may be shown as distinct andcommunicating with only a few specific structures and not others. Thestructures may be merged with each other, may perform overlappingfunctions, and may communicate with other structures not shown to beconnected in the figures. Accordingly, the specification and/or drawingsmay be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for tracking a first load comprising: aprocessor; a memory communicatively coupled to the processor, the memorycomprising instructions that when executed by the processor of thedevice cause the device to perform operations comprising: receiving apre-generated session identification number, wherein the pre-generatedsession identification number is assigned to the first load and a MACaddress of the device; initializing one or more environmental sensors ofthe device; generating, through the one or more environmental sensors,environmental data pertaining to one or more factors of an environmentsurrounding the device; and executing a propagation query to generate asecond session identification number adapted from the pre-generatedsession identification number to indicate a divisional relationship withthe pre-generated session identification number, the second sessionidentification number being related to a second load derived from thefirst load.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein receiving thepre-generated session identification number further comprises:communicating a Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) requestcomprising a MAC address query to an LDAP-enabled device, wherein theLDAP-enabled device subsequently compares a MAC address of the MACaddress query against a directory of MAC addresses stored in a memory ofthe LDAP-enabled device, and wherein the LDAP-enabled device generatesan LDAP response to the LDAP request and communicates the LDAP responseto the processor of the device.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein thememory of the device comprises further instructions that when executedby the processor of the device cause the device to perform operationscomprising: establishing a secure connection with a server, whereinestablishing the secure connection comprises comparing the MAC addressof the device against one or more MAC addresses aggregated in awhitelist stored in a memory of the server; and communicating theenvironmental data to the server.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein thememory comprises further instructions that when executed by theprocessor of the device cause the device to perform operationscomprising: upon executing the propagation query: communicativelycoupling with a second device, and assigning the second sessionidentification number to the second device.
 5. The device of claim 4,further comprising: wherein assigning the second session identificationnumber to the second device initializes one or more environmentalsensors of the second device, and wherein upon initializing the one ormore environmental sensors of the second device, the one or moreenvironmental sensors of the second device generate environmental datapertaining to one or more factors of an environment surrounding thesecond device.
 6. The device of claim 5, further comprising: wherein theenvironmental data pertaining to the one or more factors of theenvironment surrounding the device and the environmental data pertainingto the one or more factors of the environment surrounding the seconddevice are aggregated through a database management system executed bythe server, and wherein the server generates one or more views of theaggregated environmental data, the one or more views providing varyingdegrees of detail pertaining to at least one load of the first load andthe second load.
 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the memory of thedevice further comprises instructions that when executed by theprocessor, cause the device to perform operations comprising: storing ahyperlink in a radio-frequency identification chip, the hyperlinkproviding a user access to a generated view of the aggregatedenvironmental data.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the memory of thedevice further comprises instructions that when executed by theprocessor cause the device to perform operations comprising: generatingan encrypted report comprising the environmental data, the encryptedreport providing a user access to the environmental data based on aprivilege level of the user; and communicating the encrypted report to adata processing device communicatively coupled to the device.
 9. Amethod of tracking a first load, comprising: receiving, through aprocessor of a device, a pre-generated session identification number,the pre-generated session identification number being related to thefirst load and a MAC address of the device; upon receiving thepre-generated session identification number, initializing, through theprocessor of the device, one or more environmental sensors of thedevice; generating, through the one or more environmental sensors,environmental data pertaining to one or more factors of an environmentsurrounding the device; and executing a propagation query, through theprocessor of the device, to generate a second session identificationnumber adapted from the pre-generated session identification number toindicate a divisional relationship with the pre-generated sessionidentification number, the second session identification number beingrelated to a second load derived from the first load.
 10. The method ofclaim 9, further comprising: establishing, through the processor, asecure connection with a server, wherein establishing the secureconnection comprises comparing the MAC address of the device against oneor more MAC addresses aggregated in a whitelist stored in a memory ofthe server; and communicating the environmental data to the server. 11.The method of claim 10, further comprising: upon executing thepropagation query: communicatively coupling with a second device; andcommunicating the second session identification number to the seconddevice.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: whereincommunicating the second session identification number to the seconddevice initializes one or more environmental sensors of the seconddevice, and wherein upon initializing the one or more environmentalsensors of the second device, the one or more environmental sensors ofthe second device generate environmental data pertaining to one or morefactors of an environment surrounding the second device.
 13. The methodof claim 12, further comprising: wherein the environmental datapertaining to the one or more factors of the environment surrounding thedevice and the environmental data pertaining to the one or more factorsof the environment surrounding the second device are aggregated througha database management system executed by the server, and wherein theserver generates one or more views of the aggregated environmental data,the one or more views providing varying degrees of detail pertaining toat least one load of the first load and the second load.
 14. The methodof claim 13, further comprising: storing a hyperlink in aradio-frequency identification chip of the device, the hyperlinkproviding a user access to the one or more views of the aggregatedenvironmental data.
 15. The method of claim 9, further comprising:generating an encrypted report comprising the environmental data, theencrypted report providing a user access to the environmental data basedon a privilege level of the user; and communicating the encrypted reportto a data processing device communicatively coupled to the device.
 16. Asystem comprising: a first device tracking a first load, the firstdevice comprising a processor and a memory communicatively coupled tothe processor; a second device tracking a second load derived from thefirst load wherein the second device comprises a processor and a memorycommunicatively coupled to the processor; wherein the memory of thefirst device stores instructions that when executed by a processor ofthe first device cause the first device to perform operationscomprising: receiving a pre-generated first session identificationnumber, the pre-generated first session identification number beingrelated to the first load and a MAC address of the first device; uponreceiving the pre-generated first session identification number,initializing one or more environmental sensors of the first device;generating, through the one or more environmental sensors, environmentaldata pertaining to one or more factors of an environment surrounding thefirst device; storing the environmental data in the memory of the firstdevice; and executing a propagation query to generate a second sessionidentification number adapted from the pre-generated first sessionidentification number to indicate a divisional relationship with thepre-generated first session identification number, the second sessionidentification number being related to the second load.
 17. The systemof claim 16, further comprising: wherein the memory of the first devicefurther comprises instructions that when executed by the processor ofthe first device cause the first device to perform operationscomprising: upon executing the propagation query, communicativelycoupling to the second device; and assigning the second sessionidentification number to the second device.
 18. The system of claim 17,further comprising: wherein assigning the second session identificationnumber to the second device initializes one or more environmentalsensors of the second device, wherein upon initializing the one or moreenvironmental sensors of the second device, the second device:generates, through the one or more environmental sensors of the seconddevice, environmental data pertaining to one or more factors of anenvironment surrounding the second device, and stores the environmentaldata generated through the one or more environmental sensors of thesecond device in the memory of the second device.
 19. The system ofclaim 18, further comprising: wherein the memory of the first devicecomprises instructions that when executed by the processor of the firstdevice cause the first device to perform operations comprising:generating an encrypted report comprising the environmental data storedin the memory of the first device, the encrypted report providing a userread-only access to the environmental data stored in the memory of thefirst device; communicating the encrypted report to a data processingdevice communicatively coupled to the first device; wherein the memoryof the second device comprises instructions that when executed by theprocessor of the second device cause the second device to performoperations comprising: generating an encrypted report comprising theenvironmental data stored in the memory of the second device, theencrypted report providing a user read-only access to the environmentaldata stored in the memory of the second device; and communicating theencrypted report to a data processing device communicatively coupled tothe second device.
 20. The system of claim 19, further comprising:wherein the memory of the first device comprises instructions that whenexecuted by the processor of the first device cause the first device toperform operations comprising: storing a hyperlink in a radio-frequencyidentification chip, the hyperlink providing a user access to theencrypted report comprising the environmental data stored in the memoryof the first device; and wherein the memory of the second devicecomprises instructions that when executed by the processor of the seconddevice cause the second device to perform operations comprising: storinga hyperlink in another radio-frequency identification chip, thehyperlink providing a user access to the encrypted report comprising theenvironmental data stored in the memory of the second device.
 21. Asystem, comprising: a server comprising a memory storing a whitelistcomprising one or more MAC addresses; a first device communicativelycoupled to the server, the first device tracking a first load andcomprising a processor and a memory, the memory communicatively coupledto the processor, the memory comprising instructions that when executedby the processor of the first device cause the first device to performoperations comprising: communicating a MAC address of the first deviceto the server; receiving a first session identification number from theserver, wherein the first session identification number is generated bythe server upon comparing, through a processor of the server, the MACaddress of the first device against one or more MAC addresses of thewhitelist and wherein the first session identification number isassigned to the first load and the MAC address of the first device;initializing one or more environmental sensors of the first device;generating, through the one or more environmental sensors of the firstdevice, environmental data pertaining to one or more factors of anenvironment surrounding the first device; and communicating apropagation query to the server that when executed by the server causesthe server to generate a second session identification number adaptedfrom the first session identification number to indicate a divisionalrelationship with the first session identification number, the secondsession identification number being assigned to a second load derivedfrom the first load; upon receiving the MAC address query, comparing aMAC address of the MAC address query against a directory of MACaddresses stored in a memory of the LDAP-enabled device; and uponcomparing the MAC address against the directory of MAC addresses,generating an LDAP response to the LDAP request and communicating theLDAP response to at least one of the processor of the server or theprocessor of the first device.
 22. The system of claim 21, furthercomprising: an LDAP-enabled device configured to: receive, through atleast one of the processor of the server or the processor of the firstdevice, an LDAP request comprising a MAC address query; upon receivingthe MAC address query, comparing a MAC address of the MAC address queryagainst a directory of MAC addresses stored in a memory of theLDAP-enabled device; and upon comparing the MAC address against thedirectory of MAC addresses, generating an LDAP response to the LDAPrequest and communicating the LDAP response to at least one of theprocessor of the server or the processor of the first device.
 23. Thesystem of claim 21, further comprising: a second device communicativelycoupled to the server, the second device tracking the second load andcomprising a processor and a memory communicatively coupled to theprocessor, the memory of the second device comprising instructions thatwhen executed by the processor of the second device cause the seconddevice to perform operations comprising: receiving the second sessionidentification number from the server, the second session identificationnumber being assigned to a MAC address of the second device;initializing one or more environmental sensors of the second device;generating, through the one or more environmental sensors of the seconddevice, environmental data pertaining to one or more factors of anenvironment surrounding the second device; communicating theenvironmental data to the server; and wherein the memory of the firstdevice comprises a further instruction that when executed by theprocessor of the first device causes the first device to communicate theenvironmental data generated by the one or more environmental sensors ofthe first device to the server.
 24. The systems of claim 23, furthercomprising: wherein the memory of the server comprises instructions thatwhen executed by a processor of the server cause the server to performoperations comprising: aggregating, through the processor of the server,the environmental data generated through the one or more environmentalsensors of the first device and the one or more environmental sensors ofthe second device, generating, through the processor of the server, oneor more views of the aggregated environmental data, the one or moreviews providing varying degrees of detail pertaining to at least oneload of the first load and the second load.
 25. The system of claim 24,further comprising: wherein the memory of the first device comprisesfurther instructions that when executed by the processor of the firstdevice cause the first device to perform operations comprising:generating an encrypted report comprising the environmental datagenerated by the first device, the encrypted report providing a userread-only access to the environmental data generated by the firstdevice; communicating the encrypted report to a data processing devicecommunicatively coupled to the first device; wherein the memory of thesecond device comprises further instructions that when executed by thesecond device cause the second device to perform operations comprising:generating an encrypted report comprising the environmental datagenerated by the second device, the encrypted report providing a userread-only access to the environmental data generated by the seconddevice; and communicating the encrypted report to a data processingdevice communicatively coupled to the second device.
 26. The system ofclaim 25, further comprising: wherein the memory of the first devicecomprises further instructions that when executed by the processor ofthe first device cause the first device to perform operationscomprising: storing a hyperlink in a radio-frequency identification chipof the first device, the hyperlink providing a user access to theencrypted report generated by the first device; and wherein the memoryof the second device comprises further instructions that when executedby the processor of the second device cause the second device to performoperations comprising: storing a hyperlink in a radio-frequencyidentification chip of the second device, the hyperlink providing a useraccess to the encrypted report generated by the second device.
 27. Asystem comprising: a data processing device comprising a processor and amemory communicatively coupled to the processor; a tracking devicecommunicatively coupled to the data processing device, the trackingdevice tracking a first load and comprising a processor and a memorycommunicatively coupled to the processor, the memory comprisinginstructions that when executed by the processor of the tracking devicecause the tracking device to perform further operations comprising:receiving an initialization signal from the data processing device;communicating a MAC address of the tracking device to the dataprocessing device; receiving a session identification number from thedata processing device, wherein the session identification number isgenerated by the data processing device and communicated to the trackingdevice upon comparing, through a processor of the data processingdevice, the MAC address of the tracking device against one or more MACaddresses aggregated in a whitelist stored in the memory of the dataprocessing device, wherein the session identification number is relatedto the first load and the MAC address of the tracking device;initializing one or more environmental sensors of the tracking device;generating, through the one or more environmental sensors, environmentaldata pertaining to one or more factors of an environment surrounding thetracking device; and communicating a propagation query to the dataprocessing device that when executed by the data processing devicecauses the data processing device to generate a second sessionidentification number adapted from the session identification number toindicate a divisional relationship with the session identificationnumber, the second session identification number being related to asecond load derived from the first load.
 28. The system of claim 27,wherein receiving the initialization signal is achieved through acommunicative coupling event between the tracking device and the dataprocessing device.
 29. The system of claim 27, further comprising: asecond tracking device communicatively coupled to the data processingdevice, the second tracking device tracking the second load andcomprising a processor and a memory communicatively coupled to theprocessor, the memory of the second tracking device comprisinginstructions that when executed by the processor of the second trackingdevice cause the second tracking device to perform operationscomprising: receiving the second session identification number from thedata processing device, the second session identification number beingassigned to a MAC address of the second tracking device; initializingone or more environmental sensors of the second tracking device;generating, through the one or more environmental sensors of the secondtracking device, environmental data pertaining to one or more factors ofan environment surrounding the second tracking device; communicating theenvironmental data to the data processing device; and wherein the memoryof the tracking device comprises a further instruction that whenexecuted by the processor of the tracking device causes the trackingdevice to communicate the environmental data generated by the one ormore environmental sensors of the tracking device to the data processingdevice.
 30. The system of claim 29, further comprising: wherein thememory of the data processing device comprises instructions that whenexecuted by the processor of the data processing device cause the dataprocessing device to perform operations comprising: aggregating, throughthe processor of the data processing device, the environmental datagenerated through the one or more environmental sensors of the trackingdevice and the one or more environmental sensors of the second trackingdevice, generating, through the processor of the data processing device,one or more views of the aggregated environmental data, the one or moreviews providing varying degrees of detail pertaining to at least oneload of the first load and the second load.
 31. The system of claim 30,further comprising: wherein the memory of the tracking device comprisesfurther instructions that when executed by the processor of the trackingdevice cause the tracking device to perform operations comprising:generating an encrypted report comprising the environmental datagenerated by the tracking device, the encrypted report providing a userread-only access to the environmental data generated by the trackingdevice; communicating the encrypted report to a remote data processingdevice communicatively coupled to the tracking device; wherein thememory of the second tracking device comprises further instructions thatwhen executed by the processor of the second tracking device cause thesecond tracking device to perform operations comprising: wherein thememory of the data processing device comprises instructions that whenexecuted by the processor of the data processing device cause the dataprocessing device to perform operations comprising: generating anencrypted report comprising the environmental data generated by thesecond tracking device, the encrypted report providing a user read-onlyaccess to the environmental data generated by the second trackingdevice; and communicating the encrypted report to the remote dataprocessing device communicatively coupled to the second tracking device.32. The system of claim 31, further comprising: wherein the memory ofthe tracking device comprises further instructions that when executed bythe processor of the tracking device cause the tracking device toperform operations comprising: storing a hyperlink in a radio-frequencyidentification chip of the tracking device, the hyperlink providing auser access to the encrypted report generated by the tracking device;and wherein the memory of the second tracking device comprises furtherinstructions that when executed by the processor of the second trackingdevice cause the second tracking device to perform operationscomprising: storing a hyperlink in a radio-frequency identification chipof the second tracking device, the hyperlink providing a user access tothe encrypted report generated by the second tracking device.
 33. Thesystem of claim 30, wherein a MAC address of the data processing deviceis associated with the aggregated environmental data.
 34. The system ofclaim 30, wherein credentials of a user of the data processing deviceare associated with the aggregated environmental data.